Coronavirus and Child Law - What's Happening?

There is no doubt that we are living in unprecedented times. A global pandemic has left “normal life” feeling as though it is in free fall.  We are worried about the health and well-being of our loved ones, friends, colleagues and clients. Another worry for many people is whether their relationship will survive a prolonged period at home with their partner or spouse. For separated parents, the worry is whether they will get to see their children, whether through court-ordered contact or not.

Child Contact

When contact cannot take place due to self-isolation, for example, then a level of understanding and common sense is required by all involved.  If direct contact can’t take place, it might be possible to consider ‘indirect’ contact via Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime and telephone calls. Otherwise, contact should continue to take place in line with any agreements already reached and any court orders.  

Family Mediation Lothian has announced that their contact centres will be closed for the foreseeable future, being at least 3 to 4 weeks. This means that anyone who relies on their service to have contact with their children will be unable to have contact, regardless of whether or not there is a court order in place. Indirect contact may be a possibility in some cases.

Travel Abroad

The UK Government has advised against all but essential international travel. If a parent wants to take their child outwith the UK, they require the consent of the other parent (if they share parental rights and responsibilities). Given the current advice from the Government, it may not be unreasonable for the parent being asked to consent to the travel to withhold their consent, depending on the particular circumstances.

Child Maintenance

With a loss of income, there is the possibility that parents will find paying child maintenance harder. However, there is a legal requirement to pay child maintenance. If there is a dispute about the payment of child maintenance, the Child Maintenance Service can assist in the first instance.

Meeting with one of our Family Law solicitors

All of our offices are currently still open. We are pleased to arrange telephone appointments with existing and new clients. With a telephone appointment, we can provide the same service that we would if we were meeting in one of our offices. Please do get in touch. 

At the moment it is hard to think about life after the coronavirus. The situation is changing on a daily basis. We do not know what will happen today, let alone what will happen tomorrow or in 3 months’ time, for example. However, please be reassured that we are currently still at work and providing as normal a service as possible to clients. Therefore, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will be pleased to assist.

PLEASE NOTE: The coronavirus pandemic is a constantly evolving situation. Therefore, what is published above is accurate at the time of publication. This blog post is not advice and is for information purposes only. If you require advice, please contact one of our offices and we will be pleased to assist.

The Drummond Miller family law team is extremely experienced in dealing with all aspects of family law including divorce and separation and child-related matters.   If you would like any further information or advice, please get in touch with our experienced solicitors in Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Musselburgh or Bathgate.